CNC Workpiece Feeding, Column-Mounted Air Jib

FullSharp installed a column-mounted pneumatic jib crane beside a CNC machine for heavy workpieces that must pass through a narrow opening onto the table. Pneumatic lifting lets the operator fine-tune position until the part sits on center, and a holding fixture keeps it on heading so it never swings into the tool turret.

Workpieces for CNC machines are heavy, yet the machine opening is narrow, so operators have to carry and thread each piece through the gap to set it on the work table. Every misaligned load-in means lifting it back out and starting over, wasting machine uptime and risking a collision with the tool turret.

FullSharp installed a column-mounted pneumatic jib crane right beside the machine. The arm swings directly over the work table area, and because the lifting is pneumatic, the operator can fine-tune the position bit by bit until the workpiece sits exactly on center.

Pneumatic Column-Mounted Jib Crane for Feeding Workpieces into CNC Machines

The column-mounted pneumatic jib crane feeding a workpiece onto the CNC machine's work table.

Installed Equipment

Mounting column and swivel joint: a steel column fixed beside the machine, with a smooth-turning joint that swings the arm in and out of the work table area.
Pneumatic swing arm: air-powered lifting at a slow, controllable speed for accurate positioning at the load point.
Workpiece holding fixture: keeps the workpiece oriented correctly while it passes through the machine opening, preventing free rotation.
Control handle and safety valve: operated from the handle, with a valve that holds the load if air pressure drops.

Key Specifications

Equipment typePneumatic jib crane
Mounting typeColumn-mounted
ApplicationFeeding workpieces into CNC machines
Installation photos13 photos

Benefits for the Plant

Machines start sooner

Fast, accurate loading with fewer redo cycles clearly cuts machine downtime.

No turret collisions

The workpiece stays on a fixed heading as it passes through the machine opening.

Less strain on operators

The swing arm carries the workpiece's weight; the operator only guides direction and centers it.

Actual Installation Photos

Pneumatic Column-Mounted Jib Crane for Feeding Workpieces into CNC Machines - photo 1

Pneumatic Column-Mounted Jib Crane for Feeding Workpieces into CNC Machines - photo 2

Pneumatic Column-Mounted Jib Crane for Feeding Workpieces into CNC Machines - photo 3

Pneumatic Column-Mounted Jib Crane for Feeding Workpieces into CNC Machines - photo 4

Pneumatic Column-Mounted Jib Crane for Feeding Workpieces into CNC Machines - photo 5

Pneumatic Column-Mounted Jib Crane for Feeding Workpieces into CNC Machines - photo 6

Pneumatic Column-Mounted Jib Crane for Feeding Workpieces into CNC Machines - photo 7

Pneumatic Column-Mounted Jib Crane for Feeding Workpieces into CNC Machines - photo 8

Pneumatic Column-Mounted Jib Crane for Feeding Workpieces into CNC Machines - photo 9

Pneumatic Column-Mounted Jib Crane for Feeding Workpieces into CNC Machines - photo 10

Pneumatic Column-Mounted Jib Crane for Feeding Workpieces into CNC Machines - photo 11

Click a photo to enlarge. An 11-photo album taken on site.

Suitable Applications

CNC machining shops, milling centers
Feeding workpieces to vertical lathes
Fixture and mold changeover areas
Precision machining workshops

Frequently asked questions

How do you load a heavy workpiece into a narrow CNC opening?

A pneumatic jib lifts at slow, controllable speed and a fixture keeps the part oriented, so it passes through the opening without rotating freely.

Does this reduce machine downtime?

Yes. Fewer misaligned loads mean fewer redo cycles, so the machine starts sooner. FullSharp sets reach after checking the machine layout.

What if air pressure drops?

A safety valve on the control handle holds the load if air pressure falls, so the workpiece does not drop onto the machine table or into the opening.

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Consultation for Your Plant's Installation

FullSharp surveys the column location, clearance around the machine, and the maximum workpiece weight. From there we finalize the arm reach, column height, and holding fixture to match the CNC machine you are using.

Column-Mounted Pneumatic Jib Crane for Feeding Workpieces Through a Narrow CNC Machine Opening